Tissue Retractor Linkage for Single-Input Surgical Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical access systems require multiple inputs to actuate components in multiple directions or shift the anchor point of the retractor, making it difficult to create a reproducible and customized exposure to the target surgical site efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A tissue retraction system with a drive gear and linking members that rotate along different axes, allowing for a single input to control multiple retractor blades, enabling independent or simultaneous movement to create a customized surgical corridor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inputs are used to actuate components in multiple directions, then the retractor can achieve complex movement patterns, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single input device (cyclic actuator) is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different linking members at different angular positions. The input device can actuate components in multiple directions (radial, tangential, axial movements) and shift anchor points by simply changing the angular position of the selected linking member, eliminating the need for multiple separate input mechanisms while maintaining complex movement capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inputs are used to shift the anchor point of the retractor, then the exposure can be customized, but the time and complexity of creating the surgical corridor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple linking members at specific angular positions around the input device, each corresponding to a predetermined anchor point position. Before surgery, the surgeon selects the desired linking member based on the target surgical site, and the system is ready for immediate actuation. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during surgery, allowing fast creation of customized exposure by simply selecting and actuating the appropriate pre-positioned linking member
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inputs are used to actuate retractor blades, then independent control is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A single input device serves as an intermediary that coordinates the actuation of multiple retractor blades. By rotating the input device to different angular positions, the surgeon selectively engages different linking members that are mechanically connected to different blades. This intermediary mechanism translates a simple rotational input into independent control of multiple blades, maintaining ease of operation while achieving independent blade actuation through the angular positioning of the linking members
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue retraction system comprising a drive gear coupled to a shaft. The tissue retraction system includes a first plurality of linking members located along a second axis and configured to rotate along the second axis based on contact with the drive gear as the drive gear is rotated. The tissue retraction system includes a linking member selector configured to rotate along the first axis, wherein the linking member selector comprises a cylindrical body integrally formed with a handle. The tissue retraction system includes a right arm assembly configured to move along a first trajectory. The tissue retraction system includes a first retractor blade coupled to the right arm assembly. The tissue retraction system includes a left arm assembly configured to move along a second trajectory. The tissue retraction system includes a second retractor blade coupled to the left arm assembly.